Common use of Counting Clause in Contracts

Counting. The observed taxa are identified to the highest possible taxonomic level. It is very important to remember that it is better to correctly identify algae to lower taxonomic level than misidentify to a higher level. It is useful to scan the sample at a variety of magnifications before the quantitative analysis is undertaken and to compile a taxa list before beginning the count. For WISER the following general counting rules apply: • Empty cells should not be counted e.g. do not count empty diatom cells or Dinobryon loricas; • Small colourless hetertrophic flagellates should not be counted; • Littoral or benthic taxa such as Surirella and Nostoc, should be counted. In shallow lakes they can contribute a significant proportion of the sample; • Picoplankton that forms colonies should be counted (e.g. Aphanothece, Cyanodictyon) with estimates made of cell numbers; • Unicellular picoplankton (<2 µm) should not be counted; • Heterocysts and akinetes of filamentous cyanobacteria should be counted (with separate measurements for biovolume estimates if present in large number). The count should be carried out in the following manner;

Counting. The observed taxa are identified to the highest possible taxonomic level. It is very important to remember that it is better to correctly identify algae to lower taxonomic level than misidentify to a higher level. It is useful to scan the sample at a variety of magnifications before the quantitative analysis is undertaken and to compile a taxa list before beginning the count. For WISER the following general counting rules apply: • Empty cells should not be counted e.g. do not count empty diatom cells or Dinobryon loricas; • Small colourless hetertrophic flagellates should not be counted; • Littoral or benthic taxa such as Surirella and Nostoc, should be counted. In shallow lakes they can contribute a significant proportion of the sample; • Picoplankton that forms colonies should be counted (e.g. Aphanothece, Cyanodictyon) with estimates made of cell numbers; • Unicellular picoplankton (<2 µm) should not be counted; • Heterocysts and akinetes of filamentous cyanobacteria should be counted (with separate measurements for biovolume estimates if present in large number). The count should be carried out in the following manner;